After a brief lull, the disputed Kotia region under Pottangi block of Koraput district in Odisha has once again hogged the headline with a soil testing survey being undertaken in the area.
Sources informed that a few officials were seen conducting soil testing survey at Galligadar waterfall near Kotia panchayat recently. The vehicle carrying gadgets for the soil survey has the nameplate of National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) of Centre. Besides, the vehicle is bearing registration number of Karnataka.
As officials using a vehicle having Andhra Pradesh number, Koraput Zilla Parishad member Tikai Gemel has raised doubt over the Andhra Pradesh government.
As Nuagaon, Kotia and Galligadar areas are full of minerals, it is alleged that Andhra Pradesh government wants to take these areas under its possession. That’s why it has started soil testing survey.
It was alleged that though the AP government has started the alleged soil testing survey by engaging men and machines in the disputed panchayat, Odisha government is yet to wake up to the issue.
District administrative officials are found unavailable for making comments on the issue.
It may be noted that following the Panchayat elections, the neighbouring state had intensified its actions to ensure that the villagers get basic facilities. The officials had even put up posters of their CM at different locations.